Homecoming 2016: Going the Extra Mile
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2016) — Homecoming.
The word alone conjures all sorts of memories, full of emotions, all entrenched in the process of growing up, learning to be the best version of ourselves.
Young adults of many cultures navigate that process at a university. The institution grows close to the heart because it’s where they learn to become an adult. From Commencement Day forward, that university will feel like the home they left behind.
Colleges and universities celebrate that achievement and pride by inviting current and former students to come home again. This year, the University of Kentucky invites its alumni to return to the Big Blue Nation for its 101st Homecoming, Oct. 1-9. Hundreds of volunteers are "Going the Extra Mile" to make this homecoming a special reunion of Wildcat Pride.
"Homecoming is such an exciting time on campus," said Homecoming Coalition Overall Coordinator Garrett Goolsby. "It unifies alumni and students, shows UK pride and celebrates the university's rich tradition."
Organizations on campus, such as the Homecoming Coalition, International Student Council, UK Black Student Union and Student Activities Board, among others, play vital roles in this significant weekend at the university. As former students return to campus, they have the opportunity to travel back into their time as a student, reminiscing on their time spent in the classroom, in leadership roles and in various organizations. This year, organization representatives, current and former students, have reflected on why this UK tradition is special to them and how their organizations have been "Going the Extra Mile" to prepare for this homecoming of Wildcats.
"The UK Alumni Association looks forward to welcoming back alumni and friends to campus for the 101st Homecoming," Jill Smith, UK Alumni Association associate director for communications and membership, said. "We hope everyone will take advantage of the many opportunities to engage with fellow alumni, UK families and the academic colleges during this special weekend."
Homecoming weekend will not only be a time to congregate and cheer on our Cats in Commonwealth, but it will also be a time to celebrate the UK Alumni Band Reunion, recognition of the Golden Wildcat Society, and for the second year in a row, this weekend will be home to Family Weekend and Ag Roundup — generating one big reunion weekend for alumni and families.
This year, among numerous happenings university-wide, the Golden Wildcat Reunion will include special events for UK alumni from the class of 1966 or earlier. The stellar Golden Wildcat committee includes Brady Deaton, former chancellor at the University of Missouri; Willis Bright, the first African-American alumnus to receive the Sullivan Award; Sallie Hulette, UK Women & Philanthropy member and a Sullivan Award winner; and Vicki Gorman, UK Women & Philanthropy member.
Some events taking place during Homecoming 2016 include the following:
Monday, Oct. 3
Kitty Karnival: 6–8 p.m. on the Main Building Lawn
Tuesday, Oct. 4
Royalty Showcase: 7–9 p.m. in Memorial Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Mr. and Ms. Black UK: 7–9 p.m. in Memorial Hall
Thursday, Oct. 6
Golden Wildcat Reunion Registration: noon–5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Lexington
Homecoming Street Fair: 5–8 p.m. around William T. Young Library
UK Opera Theatre's "Ragtime": 7:30 p.m. at the Singletary Center for the Arts
Student Government Trivia Night: 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7
Golden Wildcat Reunion Induction: 8–10 a.m. in the Commonwealth Stadium Woodford Reserve Lounge
Grand Opening of the New Gatton College of Business and Economics: 10:30–11:30 a.m. in Gatton
Racing and lunch at Keeneland Racetrack: noon–5 p.m. at Keeneland
Going the Extra Mile Homecoming Celebration: 5–7 p.m. at William T. Young Library
African-American Alumni Reception and Awards: 6–8 p.m. at King Alumni House
UK Alumni Band Reception and Dinner: 6–9 p.m. at The Campbell House, in Lexington
2016 National Pan-Hellenic Council Homecoming Step Show: 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 8
UK Alumni Association Homecoming Brunch: 9:30–11 a.m. at King Alumni House
Campus Bus Tour: 11 a.m.–noon at the King Alumni House
UK Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party: 1:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center Lawn
UK Homecoming Football Game: 4 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium
Sunday, Oct. 9
Golden Wildcat Farewell Breakfast: 8–10 a.m. at Hyatt Regency Lexington
For a full list of student events, college events and Alumni Association festivities and descriptions visit www.ukhomecoming.com.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston or Rebecca Stratton, gghair2@uky.edu or rebecca.stratton@uky.edu, 859-257-3302/859-323-2395